Starland County staff had a meeting at the Morrin Community Hall following a seven-hour long blaze that ultimately destroyed over half of the Starland County Office on Friday, May 25.
The fire began at approximately 5:00 a.m. where Morrin, Munson, Drumheller, and Rumsey Fire Departments were dispatched. EMS and RCMP were also at the scene.
The County has determined that another meeting will take place at the Munson Community Hall on Monday. Priorities include essential services like the fire departments, communications, and cemetery records, and the water system that is controlled by the county.
“We are still Starland County Strong,” said an emotional Shirley Bremer, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for Starland County, at the beginning of the meeting.
The structure sustained tremendous smoke damage. Trackhoes and backhoes were used to lift up the roof so more water could enter to battle the blaze.
At one point, the Village of Morrin was running out of water, so neighbours of the community stepped in to offer up their tanker trucks that were fully stocked. ATB Financial and Mountain View Credit Union provided water, sandwiches, cookies, pizza, and chips for all emergency services and county staff.

Before the meeting adjourned, Bremer confirmed their plans for the near future.
“Our engineers are already on board transferring our water system into their records. We have our engineers with a lot of our records that we can collect from them so they can run our SCADA (computer infrastructure) system,” said Bremer.

Occupational Health and Safety has been notified. 19 people work out of the county office.
A few places in Drumheller and area are being considered as a place for a satellite office. The Town of Drumheller offered their newly purchased Public Works Building, and ATCO Electric offered a large wing of their new shop. Both locations are in the industrial zone of Drumheller. Stettler and Delia also offered temporary spaces for them to stay in.
Updates will be released on the Starland County Facebook Page as more information is revealed.

mailphotos by Terri Huxley

As you are probably aware a fire in the Starland County Administration Office early Friday morning, May 25, has resulted in what is expected to be a total loss of

the building.
First of all, we want to thank all of the responders who arrived at the scene to give aid and support to all of the fire departments from Starland County and Drumheller, who fought so valiantly to save the building. Your efforts show us once again, how important it is to be a part of such a giving community.
We used Starland County equipment to bring down portions of the building that contained hotspots, and are now awaiting fire investigators, and our own insurance provider to complete their investigations.
It important for our residents to know that Starland staff at all levels are working to restore and maintain County operations as quickly as possible. We are currently looking at several options for temporary and suitable office space for administration staff, and thanks to all who have offered solutions. We have also received confirmation from our information technology providers that they are able to restore service within a few days of finding the proper office space.

All cell phone numbers for all staff are still in effect. The only number NOT in service is the main number you have always used. (403 772-3793). A new county number will be provided as soon as it becomes available.
All emergency numbers appearing on the website are still in effect.
Some financial transactions may be interrupted during the course of the transition and we ask for your patience.
Normal water utility services are continuing uninterrupted.
Telephone numbers at the Starland Public Works Offices are working and our staff will answer any questions residents may have.
Please use cell phone numbers until further notice.

Thank you to all for the assistance you have provided in any form.
Reeve and Council
Administration and Staff
Starland County